Ependymal Tumors

Ependymal tumors usually begin in cells that line the spaces in the brain and around the spinal cord. These spaces contain cerebrospinal fluid, a liquid that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord. Grades of ependymal tumors include the following:

• Grade I and grade II ependymomas: These ependymomas grow slowly and have cells that look very much like normal cells. They can often be removed completely by surgery.
• Anaplastic ependymoma (grade III): Anaplastic ependymomas grow very quickly.

Treatment of grade I and grade II ependymomas is usually surgery with or without radiation therapy.

Treatment of anaplastic ependymoma may include the following:

1. Surgery plus radiation therapy.
2. A clinical trial of surgery followed by chemotherapy before, during, and after radiation therapy.
3. A clinical trial of chemotherapy and/or biologic therapy.